Lyra"Elias!" The name escaped my lips in an astonished gasp, recognizing my former alpha's unmistakable form despite his disheveled, near-feral appearance. I remembered him after what he did.... amongst the Blackmoon pack.Elias is the worst person I know....Elias' crazed gaze found me instantly, flickering briefly to the curve of my belly in disgust."Put an end to this stupidity before it goes any further," he growled in a low, threatening tone that made hackles rise protectively. "You were cast out by even your father, which made you think you'll be The Blackmoon Luna!"Before I could even begin to process Elias' vicious words, Gabriel was on his feet in a blur of motion. One massive arm swept protectively in front of me as the prime alpha inserted himself between my former alpha and I in an unmistakable stance of guardianship."You will mind your tongue in my den, wretch," Gabriel's deep rumble carried a lethal undercurrent that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on
GabrielAs I exited the den leaving Lyra to rest, I could feel the thundering cosmic forces we had unleashed with the consecration ceremony. The very foundations of existence seemed to shudder around me as I strode through the corridors, my alpha aura blazing like a supernova. "You did what needed to be done, my Lord," Talon's gruff baritone rumbled at my side as we entered my personal chambers. "Binding that omega to you permanently is the first step in your lineage's rebirth across the celestial planes."I gave a curt nod, but remained silent as I moved towards the heavy oak desk dominating one side of the room. My inner wolf, Fury, stirred within my consciousness."She has accepted her sacred role...for now," Fury growled. "But you know there will be further resistance to overcome before her womb's bounty is made manifest.""Resistance I will obliterate if needed," I responded in a low rumble as I took my seat. "Now that Lyra has sworn her covenant, any who raise a voice against
GabrielI sat cross-legged in the center of my private office, the green glow of the computer screens filling the space with an eerie light. I breathed in deeply, letting my mind reach out until I could feel the electric tingle of destiny surrounding me like a force field.Deep anger stirred within me. "You feel it getting stronger, don't you?" my inner wolf growled. "Elias is getting the pack to fall apart by denial of Lyra as their Luna!""Yes..." I rumbled, feeling waves of savage joy flow through me. "But, they should do whatever they want. My decision is final. Lyra would be my Luna and in the next coming full moon, Lyra will give birth to my pups and the blaze of unstoppable power. Our rise to dominance is no longer just a possibility, but an immutable certainty that bends all other packs to our will."A wild grin split my face, my fangs gleaming like polished blades ready to rend our enemies. I could already feel rival wolves, lesser creatures, and packs that didn't even exist
LyraI smoothed the sleek fabric of my designer gown, the lavish ivory garment whispering against my trembling fingers. My heart thundered in my chest like a caged bird desperately beating its wings, trying to escape the snare of doubt and dread enveloping me. Would it be fine? To crown the Enemy as Luna?This grand ballroom of the Blackmoon Estate should have inspired awe, yet all I felt was an icy grip of fear. The polished marble floors and towering crystal chandeliers gazed down with silent condemnation as I paced the anteroom, awaiting the call to begin my coronation."You look positively radiant, Lyra dear," Kira's gentle voice murmured. The graceful woman glided across the plush carpets, her kind eyes warmly appraising me. As Gabriel's most trusted adviser, and aged healer she had become like a nurturing mother to me. "An absolute vision befitting this new dawn you're ushering in."I managed a tremulous smile for the elegant older woman who had been my sole ally in these stra
GabrielI tightened my grip on Lyra's arm, pulling her closer as I shielded her from the hostile pack's suspicious glares and mocking whispers.This was meant to be her night - the crowning of her as my Luna and pup's mother. Yet even now, there were treacherous forces undermining us from the shadows.Catching Kira's concerned gaze over Lyra's trembling shoulder, I gave the barest of nods. The aging woman may have been Lyra's sole friend here, but she was still first and foremost my trusted adviser. With a look, I entrusted the scared young woman into Kira's motherly care."Stay with her," I murmured under my breath, just loud enough for their preternatural hearing to pick up. "Keep her safe while I root out these snakes slithering in the shadows."Kira inclined her head fractionally in understanding as I released Lyra, giving her shoulder one final reassuring squeeze before turning away. "I'll be right back." I uttered.Although unshed tears glistened in her luminous eyes, the girl
GabrielYou're playing a dangerous game, Elias," I replied in a deceptively mild tone that somehow proved even more unsettling. "One that could cost you more than just your pathetic attempts at vengeance."Elais mocked "really?" With that he snarled deep in his throat, beads of sweat glistening on his brow despite the alcove's shadows. Yet even as he bared his fangs in an attempt at bravado, I could scent the acrid undercurrents of fear clinging to him.The coward knew he stood not a whisper of a chance against the full force of my fury if roused."Such arrogant dismissal," he growled, desperation creeping into his tone no matter how much bluster he tried to muster. "You think exiling me once cowed my spirit forever?"I said nothing, merely letting the words hang heavily for several tense beats. Then, reaching out with my supernatural senses, I detected the barest hints of movement in the shadows.The unmistakable brushing of cloth and displaced air that could only mean more hidden p
Gabriel"But I never left the halls you see." He mocked. As ever the old bitch has it figured out. "The former beta was but a simple decoy, Alpha - a fragile illusion to scatter your focus while the true play began here."My head whipped around at that, cold realization lancing through me like a blade between the ribs.Of course... It all made sense now in a horrific, inescapable way.This means one thing!A shifter!A true skin-walker capable of transcending their physical formOne of the most feared, powerful classes of our kind. And here, in the center of my heart, I feel pain.When did it escape me?How did this vile creature walk unnoticed amidst my pack, sowing its seeds?"Talon!" I barked over my shoulder, barely keeping my fury leashed as the pieces fell into place. "Initiate a full security lockdown and have your hunters brought in! We are dealing with a shifter - a skinwalker of immense power bent on-"My words cut off as I spun back to confront the shifting tide of mali
Gabriel"Well, I'll leave you good-for-nothings to do more of your pitiful research. Just know that existence itself will soon be torn down before the revelation I've set in unstoppable motion. Rejoice in your false supremacy while you still can, Alpha - your short days as Prime Alpha are NUMBERED."With those taunting final syllables, the shapeshifter disappeared...gone. No grand finale or culminating confrontation, just an absence of corruption amidst the unsettled ballroom and the faint tingle of dormant malice awaiting its resurgence. My mouth opened and closed wordlessly for several moments as the gravity of that departure sank in. Turning back towards Kira and Talon, I saw my own stunned confusion mirrored in their expressions.This was meant to be the dawning of a new era for my bloodline. A night of consecration celebrating my lineage's preeminence over the old orders and a clear path towards dominance in the soon-to-be-birthed age from Lyra's womb. Yet now, everything had
LyraThe clearing buzzed with excitement as the pack celebrated my victory. Wolves were howling, people were cheering, and the atmosphere was filled with a euphoria that was new to me. In the midst of everything, I was amazed to stand next to the majestic White Stag, still in awe of the recent events.Zara came closer, her typically serious expression now showing a hint of admiration. She halted a short distance from me, alternating her gaze between myself and the White Stag."Luna Lyra," she exclaimed, her voice traveling through the clearing and quieting the audience. I have to confess, I had some skepticism about you. Numerous uncertainties.I aligned my back, looking directly into her eyes without wavering. I am aware that you did it, Elder Zara. And I don't hold you accountable for that.Zara's lips were tugged by a slight smile. "No, I guess you wouldn't." You
LyraI slowly woke up, feeling like I had been run over by a truck, my body in pain. Sunlight flowed in through a window close by, heating up my face. I lay there for a moment, attempting to figure out what had occurred.The cavern. Kieran's name was uttered. The anger that had taken over me...I jolted awake, my heart pounding."Take it easy," a voice that was recognizable whispered gently. "You are out of danger."I looked over and noticed Gabriel by the bed, with dark circles under his eyes indicating that he hadn't slept. I felt relieved when I saw him, but then uncertainty crept in."Is that Gabriel?" I spoke softly, my voice rough. "Is it truly you now?"Understanding and pain softened his facial expression. "It's I, my darling. "My true self."I extended my hand cautiously, anticipating it might g
Lyra'sI suddenly woke up, my heart racing. I felt sweat forming on my forehead while I attempted to understand the environment around me. The familiar smell of pine and dirt entered my nose, connecting me to the earth."I murmured, just a dream, but the words lacked substance."The recent happenings kept playing over in my head like a distorted film. Gabriel's act of betrayal, the ensuing battle, and my eventual triumph all felt incredibly unreal.I lifted myself up, grimacing at the imaginary pain in my side caused by Gabriel's claws. However, upon checking, there was no visible injury. No mark. No changes."What on earth?"I spun around, ready for a confrontation, as a twig broke close by. Kieran appeared from the darkness, his emerald eyes shining in the moon's glow."Take it easy, Luna," he said, with his hands up. "I a
LyraThe forest was eerily silent as I stood before the assembled pack. A combination of confusion, concern, and curiosity was evident on the faces that looked up at me. I inhaled deeply, preparing myself for the words I was about to speak."Dear fellow wolves," I started, my voice projecting more confidence than I truly possessed, "today I have somber news to share. "We have been deceived."A quiet sound spread through the audience. I witnessed Zara's eyes narrowing and her body becoming tense.I kept talking, the words tasting like ash in my mouth, about how Gabriel, our Alpha, had betrayed us. "Opposed to me."The quiet murmuring transformed into a loud roar. Disbelief, rage, and dread combined in the atmosphere like a poisonous mist."Someone exclaimed that it couldn't be done!" Gabriel would never..."I witnessed it mys
LyraThis morning, the forest was more silent than typical. The birds appeared reluctant to disturb the unsettling stillness. I moved stealthily through the thick vegetation, ready for anything. I sensed something was wrong, but I couldn't quite pinpoint it."I said to myself that you're being paranoid, attempting to rid myself of the sense of unease."There was a snapping sound of a twig from behind me. I spun around, my heart racing, and caught sight of Gabriel coming out from the darkness."Gabe!" I took a breath, feeling relieved. "You frightened me so much I thought I was going to die."Although he smiled, his eyes did not reflect the same happiness. I apologize, my dear. I didn't intend to scare you.I observed his facial expressions, noticing the tightness in his jaw and the faint crease in his forehead. "Are all things right?"&nb
LyraTension filled the forest as I stealthily made my way through the underbrush. Each time a twig snapped, I jumped, every rustle of leaves made me search the shadows. The search had been happening for hours, but I was still no closer to locating my target than I was at the beginning."I whispered in defeat, leaning against a tree trunk." I will never succeed at this."You won't succeed with that mindset," a voice said from above me.I suddenly sat up, my heart racing. Sitting on a branch like a large bird was a stranger I didn't recognize. His teeth stood out in stark contrast against his tanned skin as he smiled down at me."What is your identity?" I asked firmly, attempting to control the shake in my voice. "You are not a member of our group."The unknown individual descended from the tree, landing with the agility of a cat. "
LyraUpon reaching a curve in the stream, I spotted the origin of the sound. A youthful wolf was trapped under a fallen tree, with its leg stuck in an awkward position. Filled with a blend of fear and desperation, my eyes locked with its golden ones.I cautiously moved closer, extending my hands in a peaceful manner. "I whispered softly, 'Take it easy.'" "I will not cause you any harm."The wolf whimpered once more, weakly resisting its wooden confinement. I realized then that it was not only its leg that was hurt - there was also a deep cut on its side covered in blood.I felt pain in my heart as I saw it. This wasn't the target I was supposed to go after, but I couldn't abandon it to endure suffering. "I said softly, more for my own benefit than for the wolf," I murmured. "Let's try to see if we can assist in getting you out of that place."I inspected the downed
LyraTension filled the forest as we assembled on the outskirts of the clearing. My heart throbbed loudly, each pulse symbolizing the importance of what was to come. The rest of the hunters were prepared, their expressions showing firm resolve. I attempted to emulate their self-assurance, but internally, uncertainty consumed me like a ravenous wolf.Zara's voice sliced through the morning breeze, sharp like a sword. "Hunters, get ready at your designated spots!"I went to my assigned location, my legs shaking a bit. The trees stood in front of me, casting long and eerie shadows in the morning sun.Zara called out, "When I give the signal," "Counting down from three to one..." "Begin!"Similar to arrows flying from taut bows, we charge into the woods. Each hunter hurried to claim their prey, the air filled with the sound of cracking twigs and rustling l
LyraThe cold morning air bit at my skin while I walked to the rendezvous spot. A blend of excitement and fear raced through my veins as my heart pounded in my chest. The forest stood in front of me, a huge area of green that appeared to go on indefinitely. Today, it will serve as our battlefield.As I neared the open space, I noticed the hunters had already assembled. Their expressions showed strong resolve, with sparkling eyes anticipating the excitement of the forthcoming test. Zara stood in the middle, her commanding presence capturing everyone's attention."Luna Lyra," she shouted, her voice spreading through the clearing. "Thank you for joining us, it's great to have you here."I stood up tall, determined not to be intimidated. "I wouldn't skip it," I responded, my voice sounding more confident than I actually felt.Zara's mouth formed a sly smil